Soldiering on …

“Infectious” , that’s what I’d use to describe the current atmosphere in the WHALE Spires space . Infectious , engaging , heart warming and really makes you feel like going through a more intensive show-process is so worthwhile , especially when the cast really want to learn , to grow , to push the boundaries of what they know .

I think back to Sleeping Beauty and how many of this Whale cast were so inexperienced in it , so rough round the edges . But already 3 weeks in to these new showcase rehearsals: a shiny new penny is dropping and a light going brilliantly on, behind those former woodland-folk performance eyes.

I also think this cast is getting I’m picky , I think they are getting I’m sometimes ” relentless ” in my ” again !!! ” approach – pushing them in a more disciplined way towards the pursuit of their own perfection , their collective cast excellence.

But I know best of all , they are really starting to get that PACE can be more than just fun , when their Spires 1 space , is so alive with the sound of freedom and a switched on better mindset . A want to ” drama ” work and still just ” play” !

Of course this is much down to the natural energy of the cast . High school hasn’t quite impacted yet enough , to bring any more obvious excess teen baggage into the space .

Or maybe I’ve managed to just catch any whiff of ” I’m a teenager ….get me out of here ” in time .

Stop it from affecting the room in a negative way . Stop the cringe-at-it factor , the need to stay the same as others.

With any luck High School ( in its myriad of de-structure forms ) won’t actually impact that much on this “band of Spires brothers and sisters” , in future ?

I so hope so .

Now that a solid foundational understanding of the acting space is starting to ” dramatically ” take hold of them.

Enough to armour them from peer uniform image , shield them from the standard fit of others group blare.

Their March has certainly boot-camped them into great drama shape and schooled them in the art of another type of creative stage battle.

If you are not sweating …you are not working !

A physical-theatre chant , now repeated by these innooeeEnvironmental soldiers – like rote .

WHALE is a beautiful show to experience as a young actor .

It brings out a different kind of acting spirit . The kind of performing , that has to reach right down into the souls of the audience , feeling good in every possible way .

There’s no room for any pretension on this iced stage . You have to give to this show , in such a simple and affecting way and expect nothing but world unity in return. Expect that your show will make a difference to people’s sense of humanity

That’s a pretty tall order . But not one that you should ever discount , just because you happen to still be relatively young .

Watching the faces of my SPACE assistant-team ( who are invaluable to me at this time as I undertake 2 fast theatre projects ) ,

I watch , as they watch the rehearsals , and I see them getting their reward . They are almost young again themselves , perhaps remembering their own first real discovery of drama , in much the same process way – I see their circles re-opening and I see them not looking back and regretting – but being present and remembering , fondly . Feeling good , feeling just as involved as if a part of their scene

WHALE is infectious . I hope other Spires performers across the Scene board , catch its tale . Breach the surface of their limits and start to put the same energy and effort into their own theatre making .

And though it’s early days and a long show road to go . One can’t help thinking it’s not going to be that hard to make their bid for theatre happen .

Why ?

Because the cast want it so badly .

And now for life in the other camp.

Cross the working line , and we enter another other type of drama space . A whole different TROJAN affair.

Trojans ? Trojans ? Trojans ?

…what can we currently say about TROJANS?

Hmmmmmmm?!

Well , we can say there is a glimmer of potential in a current handful of this slightly older cast .

Potential talent that could become something really excitingmaybe in future , with some extra focused room effort, and a more disciplined approach to their understanding of better acting techniques , for their stage .

We could also say , that this script – adapted and beefed up a bit , offers challenges many of the cast have never met before .

Material that is not so obvious to explore . A departure from main stream PACE , a little less PPP ( perfectpacepackages ) and a little more anarchicedgystylised action .

We might even say that if this cast decided unanimously , to pull together , under a Drama-United banner ; A piece of theatre would reign

Maybe even lift some from their perceived current drama-obscurity and onto a bigger platform of Spires theatre notoriety.

We should say all that and more , but only if …and there’s a very very big IF.

I believe the basic difference between these 2 casts , is marked passion.

Whale cast show it naturally .

Trojan cast just consider the possibility of it .

And that’s not to say some Trojans don’t have it .

They perhaps do.

And in oneHUB ACTING case more obviously .

Its just that it can appear such an effort to have to rehearsal find it .

And worse , at the start of any session , when they need it to find it quickly , most ; when picking up a script and starting to try – to act , or at least attempt to let themsleves “play”

Hmmmmmmm?

(As our veteran King Priam would say)

So.

What’s in the way I wonder ?

Is it all just an age thing ?

Is it STILL a bit of a social thing ?

Is it the ever present excuse of the whirligig of time thing ?

Is it a lack of basic interest in the project ?

Is it a bit of all of it and everything else that’s going on and in no particular order ?

What is it that makes it seem like I have to work twice as hard to pull the Trojan room , into more focused action? To get them even a bit , excited , about performance ?

What is it more prophetcially that makes me think – is this play ever going to happen ?

Because the basic nature of TROJANS is PASSION .

It’s a play about “a struggle to the death ” ” a fight for glory ” ” against all odds ” – and all bound up in a sense of youthfulsignificance ?

Hmmmmmmm?

Well If that’s the case . We have our work cut out for us then ; to ever March this show to its come-what-May performance end .

Not impossible .

Hannibal marched his elephants over the Alps to fight the Romans . I can surely take 25 Spires and herd them through, and over , the difficult hump of a tight rehearsal period ahead ( needless teen baggage and all) , towards at least a one night deserved Wynd Triumph !

But only if the cast want it , like they appear to say .

It’s never impossible if a cast’s hearts, minds, even eyes are wider open and in tune with the bigger rehearsal picture.

And there in lies the rub ? As our buddy Hamlet says …

( albeit paparphrased …)

“To act or not to act …because that is going to be the TROJAN’s biggest question! ”

And Easter Monday is going to be a good opportunity for us to see what we have in the Trojan show pipe line ?

We’ve 3 scenes sketchily down now . An opening , a royal affair , a Peace bash .

Let’s see who stands out now for the right reasons .

Cassandra is already powerfulImage to follow .

But then again , we have in Miss Morrow a young Spires actress well up for this part .

Well up for the chance to be in a show – any show . Her passion as infectious as her whalish counterparts .

And she is already rallying some Trojan Peace troops around her ; letting her voice -albeit at times , be super-heard above the room Frey .

Just as frustrated I suspect , by apparent lack of progress at times , frustrated more I think because she knows it could all be so much fun, if people just let it go !

Realise this isn’t the school playground but a drama one !

And maybe she feels like shouting from her IvoryTower top (as I do )

“Why come – IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO ACT !!!”

We also have a one-armed Chic , a Biggish Mac, a soft drink and a potato- , creeping up on her Trojan performance coat tails , that and a couple of twin-princes now vying for a bit of new stage attention .

These are intersting interpretations of character to keep a rehearsal eye on , for well needed room motivation.

We’ve got a small kernel of growing acting effort here , but we need to more seriously flesh it out, and make it just as appealing to others around them.

Cast Overall we’ve got a bit of enthusiasm , a bit of effort , a bit of spare time , but we also have some who should know so much better : Firefly 16 and Odyssey 16 Cast members , who could and should be doing so much more to help.

Odyssey /Firefly – Why pretend you get it in another project space . When you aren’t really getting it in the one that currently matters most now ? You could turn on and off that kind of standard . It will out wherever it is placed . Which makes me think are you the standard you set or the one I set for you ?

With all theae notes in mind , we are so going to have to fight hard now to get this project on !

Trouble is I don’t think any of the cast will read this post .

Correction – Maybe one or two ?

And though I know that WHALE are 100% much more likely to read and comment any Spires Scene post , and to take cyber notes given after any period of rehearsals as intended follow up.

I think Trojans will on the whole , miss this further opportunity to learn here

Will prefer to Group Chat – trying to find their own direction amid the peer approval and likes of others .

Again unfortunately not the point . What can you friends teach you ? Aren’t outside friendships some times the very thing we have to let go to become better room versions of ourselves here ?

That’s why actual progress will continue to allude you , in the cast of this Trojan affair .

You prefer to bring your version of yourself into the space , Your current lives , Your ways of doing things , your safe and easy drama comfort zone .

Talking the talk for me , wagging your head when you think I need you to , sitting up straight for show, but no real forward motion , just a slow continual walk , round and round the space , in ever closing circles .

Of course you like the thought of it : the being in a Spires show , getting to put one finally on …

Troy has fallen
It’s blood will stain our walls
Our souls will haunt the ruins
Ghosts of the ramparts
We died for our city
We never gave in
And Cass, noblest daughter of Troy
Cass came with us , to the end
The bitter end

I’ll leave you to work out the cryptic theatre analogy in the final stanza of this Trojan PLAY.

Yes , so maybe I’m just being a bit of a Cassandra ? Maybe I’m being a bit ” dramatic ” . It’s my job isn’t it ?

But I honestly can’t help feeling …?

Hmmmmm…

I do really hope Trojans start to pick up the pace , see the light of a much better effort, take the initiative more as a cast of young actors , not a room full of teenagers .

Before their show bid maybe finally ” goes dark ” .

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40 Responses to Soldiering on …

I'm really enjoying Whale. It's such a great story and I love the way that it is being done. I love working with the cast because everyone wants to do it and in the rehearsal room there is such a great energy and vibe. I have so much fun in the rehearsal room and I can't wait to continue with this project.
Daniel

Whale has been so much fun! I love everything about it and after every rehearsal I am excited for the next. Being in the space with everyone lifts up my mood and I'm really glad to be part of the cast!

Whale is so far one of my favorite shows I've ever done. And we're just 3 weeks into rehearsals. This show is so inspirational and unique and is really opening my 'drama mind'. The cast is so talented and every time I leave the space I feel so uplifted and refreshed ( even though I'm sweating buckets ). Every time I walk into Spires and know that there is a Whale rehearsal I feel so energized and ready to work. I can't wait to continue with this project and I know it will only help me with me experience.

It seems obvious but something thats became apparent for me in a few projects is this: if you dont come into the space with the WANT and DETERMINATION to make something work, it just never will. Take for example the Firefly rehearsal we had a while ago, where we had to be completely in sync with one another (like Orange and Green, who were able to do it much better). It didnt work as it should have because, As a whole, we just didnt have the want and the drive to actually make it work. It starts from the minute you enter the space, your triple connection and its what will actually make the acting 'go'. Particularly In VX1, when we block our performance art, you have to be giving your all to something, because you will never know if it is going to work unless you see it at its fullest potential. And it will only reach its fullest potential because you WANT it to and you MAKE it happen. No matter where you are rehearsing, if you are really tired, if you think you have tried enough times and should probably just give up. Even in Firefly, it only works when we all want it. And you will know when everyone wants it, because you will feel it in the sound and energy in the room and of the people around you - when everyone is working to their fullest to reach the goal. Its not really good enough to come in with a 'not wanting it' approach (even if you dont realise you're like this) and then by the end of the rehearsal you have wakened up and became focused and energised and determined and wanting because to make anything work in the space you have to be this way from the very beginning or else you are just wasting time! I think having a more professional approach helps you to do this , you don't feel so relaxed, you aren't there just for a laugh. I can certainly tell in myself when I am fully focused, trying the hardest to make something work with the people around me. Because I'm slightly on edge, completely invested into what we're doing, not thinking of anything outside of the space, and probably the main one - communicating with everyone to solve the problems/make it better/block something/or really simply- to act.
Also, group chats may be good for asking when the next rehearsal is but I think they can create a bit of a 'laidback' atmosphere, which is a danger to the drama - your main priority. You should always have a little bit of nervousness to push you.
it's interesting to hear parts of the shows from beyond the Spires 1 walls and also read some of your comments on blog posts but that being said I know that I haven't done enough to connect myself in a bigger way to what you are all doing. So, maybe a Inuit or Greek inspired film or series? If any whalers or trojans have any watch list suggestions I would really appreciate it because I am still in the dark about your shows and the culture surrounding them :)

I can admit that Trojans has been harder than I expected but not impossible and I am determind to really get this part after reading this blog and seeing the comparison between the two projects,it's shown me that Trojans doesn't have to be the way it is if we all just show our drama hungry and passion.I really think everyone in the cast has it but right now it's like all talk no game accept from a few.I just wish that when all go into the space that the passion comes with us but sometimes it just seems to lurk behind the curtain along with the stage presence but next rehearsal they are both going to be in the space with me and I hope it will be with everyone in the cast.

Great to see Whale is getting on nicely! I can't help but agree when you say the energy in Trojans is really... Lacking. Like a lot of the cast have been saying, we really need to stop claiming we're going to work hard, and saying we really want this show to happen - but not applying that passion we claim to have outside of PACE into rehearsal times. Trojans certainly has potential to be a fantastic show, but it will only be fantastic if every single one of us pushes ourselves to the limits during rehearsals. Hopefully during the Rehearsals on Monday, a glimmer of hope will appear - and we'll be able to lift ourselves from this rocky start that we've had so far.

I think we all really want Trojans to work and we are passionate about it I just think our problem is that we don't quite know how to express those feelings in the space but with a lot more dedication and enthusiasm we can develop our own characters and help others come into their own, we can build relationships between the characters and make it a powerful show.

I'm glad to see that Whale is off to a great start, it's really exciting to think of what could come next with all that passion that seems to be buzzing around in their rehearsals. That second photo about getting out of our comfort zones is really useful right now, especially to Firefly as we are in the early stage of rehearsals. I will make a much more concious effort to keep updated with this blog as well as our closed Firefly 16 Facebook one. What advice would I give myself for the upcoming performamce? To let loose. To trust my instincts more in the rehearsal room. Now that is waay easier said than done but nevertheless I'm going to 'step out my comfort zone' and try!

With so much buzzing around my head and life at the moment, it's nice to see what's been going on, in the not so distant Spires 1. At home I always get strangely excited when I see dinner in the oven, especially when it's hidden in a pot. I like to guess what it is from the smell and the dirty pots but I never look in the oven, it ruins the surprise. In many ways that's kind of how I feel with Whale and Trojan. I've been hearing snippets and slithers from others but It will be interesting when I see it, definitely looking forward to it. After reading this blog, I find it so refreshing to see the work ethic of whale, especially as most of the cast are deemed "the younger ones". It just goes to show, that age is only a number in here. True enough, they could come and teach firefly a bit.The levels of maturity and passion I am getting from this blog makes me feel great about the future of Spires. So I am glad you are all having a whale of a time! With Trojan, I am obviously not in the room with you guys but from other things I think I get it. A lack of passion isn't because you can't be bothered or that you don't feel strongly about the show- it is about not being on the same page as everyone else. Sometimes stopping and assessing your situation can screw your head on and give you the best foot forward. Instead of thinking of it as just another project, think of it as a chance to overcome something, to better yourself. Nothing you do is pointless, so set yourself a goal and maybe share it with the cast, get on the same level. The best feeling you can ever feel is achieving your goal. Not meaning to sound lectureish in anyway, just some friendly advice. I am sure come show time you'll storm into the Wynd, spears raised.
Adam

I was for a while dramaworking Whale and I wanted to keep it going (sadly not enough eggs for every basket) but when there I felt drawn in everytime I came(to come again), the energy; the life; the response from the room to try; to give just everything. Everytime shining more and more. I will definitely be coming to see the final result in May.
And Trojans I see so much potential in the room and it is partly what drives me in those rehearsals - in all those lovely cameos as guards. I think the thing most are missing is a sense of fun with what they're given, it's like you want it but don't enjoy it. Greek Chorus wi' a neddish twang, I mean, what's not to love! I wish it could just be fast and lively in the room that whilst blocking other people would turn and have an idea for the next part. That there was a sort of bounce to everyone's step in the rehearsal even if not always getting it perfect people were just a bit more resilient. I had a tendency to be negative but I am shaking that off. I want this show to goddamn go!

I'm glad to hear Whale is going so well and I think we can all learn a lot from their uninhibited passion and drive for the show. Right now I do agree that in Trojans we have a lot to work on. It is slightly discouraging to feel the drop in energy and focus in the room from many people (myself included) when on the first rehearsal we were all so excited and raring to go. We really do just need to all get on the same page and completely commit to this show and continuously try to lift each other up. In hindsight I think in the last full cast rehearsal I brought baggage into the room, like others, I can find it difficult to let go and forget about all of the other stresses this time of year brings. But this post has reminded me that it's supposed to be fun. As well as working hard and pushing ourselves we can play, be creative and forget about all of the other concerns of our lives. After all isn't drama supposed to be our outlet and way of expressing ourselves?
I really do think we can move past this hurdle and all band together and put on a great show. It may be difficult and we may have to push ourselves more than we are used to but it will be so worthwhile in the end, not just to put on a great show but to learn and grow as a cast as well as individual performers. I really hope we can all manage to show Trojans in May as I think we have the potential, we just need to put in the work.
Amanda x

I have been leaving the last couple rehearsals filled with so much anger towards myself, as I know I should be doing so much more in the space. I should have my passion burning in my stomach for all those to see. I should be able to just go, not to hold back but just to go. There is so many 'I shoulds' - far too many in fact. I have let myself down completely, and I am so So annoyed at myself!
Trojans is such a meaty play, so many different opportunities to grasp to prove that you are more than what you think you can be, what others think you can be! For many, there is inexperience, but that in some way is an advantage, as you need to start from nothing so that you can constantly build and build and build on that, so if you haven't done anything before all you can do is learn and grow! So let's use that as an advantage, and not think of it as it is holding you back.
Also however , there is experience in the room that isn't showing (I know I come under this bracket completely) - we don't have any excuses. It just needs to stop, we need to just remember everything we have ever done here and put it into action.
I think we all know what we need to do in order for this show to have any hope in reaching its fullest , dramatically Greek potential, so there is no point in restating it. Tomorrow is always another chance to do today better, so let's take that opportunity and GO!

I want Trojans to work so much, and I'm so frustrated because I know that we (myself included) are all capable of doing more and trying harder. The potential is there but we don't seem to be accessing it properly. I think that we really need to have more fun and be more creative with what we are doing. Everyone seems to be going so grimly serious about the show that the performance is losing it's spark. I think we're afraid to loosen up and enjoy ourselves. There's also maybe a lack of trust amongst the cast, we're not really sure of each other or how we should work together. We need to pull together and bond as a cast and lift each other up instead of dragging each other down. I know I wasn't in for the last two rehearsals, but that's definitely the sense I got when I was last in.
Now I'm really fired up to get in on Monday and get to work. Because in this case, actions will definitely speak louder than words.

Glad to hear Whale is going well, makes me happy to see such a positive vibe about the show. As for Trojans, I think the want for a good show is definitely there but we just aren't showing it. I know with myself that I really want this to happen and it annoys me how I'm just not showing that and it's something I'm trying to work on. I'm definitely in the 'blank face' category. When I'm trying to focus and learn blocking etc I just look bored, even though that's not the case! This is also something that I am trying/need to work on as if people look around and see blank faces that just brings energy down and nobody wants that. I think we all know that yesterday wasn't a great rehersal and i feel that this was partly due to being restricted by scripts ( I felt this way anyway) and I am just hoping that everyone (especially me) comes in on Monday with lines learned and a positive and focused mind. But that's enough of the excuses. I want this, I know others do too. But we just aren't showing that yet and we need to come in and have a damn good rehersal, keep morale high, work effort high and come May put on a bloody good show! I'm definitely in need of some character development I just don't understand my character yet, it's a new role to me and I need to start experimenting in order to find the way that the character should be portrayed, yesterday I just didn't have that. I had no presence and no confidence in my character/myself and that just brought my volume and performance way down. If I want to be Antimachus I have to learn to BE Antimachus. I need to know my character inside out, no more excuses. As rehearsals progress my character needs to develop because as of now, I have no character. So come next rehersal, lines will have been learn and then, hopefully, I can start to act, increase positivity while maintaining focus and actually show it all!
Trojans!
Trojans!
Trojans!
LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN!

It's more the walk than the talk
Need to do rather than suggesting what you will do it because if it is not done now when will it be done.
Whale.Its the place where you're spirit is lifted.You begin to sit back & yes as Mhairi said feel young again & how you were when you discovered how much you wanted it & love it. Even helps you realise how much you actually do love what you do.
The cast never stop trying they join together to reach that end goal or the freedom of the ice.They ran & ran over opening many times & yes if something didn't work they stopped,spoke & went right back at it with speed.
From start to finish at point I would be fully immersed in the show from text,acting & feeling.That is what they have. They have feeling. If they feel then no doubt those who watch shall feel all that the cast want you to feel. Can't wait to sail through rehearsals with this cast.
TROJANS
we are TROJANS
What is the issue ?
What is holding you back ?
Are you scared of what you should be commanding ?
You get given a script in you're hands
A character in you're mind
Passion & acting in you're heart
What's the problem ?
In anything I do either drama working or acting I think of it as a painter. In the time I have been at pace come to realise my painting metaphor. Think.
Mhairi or any director is the supplier of the paint brush,canvas & paint.she is also the one who taught you how to paint & some techniques (Acting & drama)
Now you are the painter. Controller of the brush & what Is painting on the canvas & what colours.
You know the stage,you know how you should be or do you ?
Director are there to direct yes but actors are there to act we can't be having the director starving for some energy or spontaneity in their cast.
Now you think & decided what must be done & then do it.
Enjoy you're time on stage have some fun.
No fear Trojans
We can do this

Really quite upsetting that Trojans is not going the way it should I am partly to blame you know as I was nearing the end of the blog I though mhari was going to pull the show and I had this feeling in my stomach you know the one you get before an audition or something you know could be quite big for you I was trying to think of the last time I had that it was the first Trojans rehearsal why is it now that I don't have it ? I think perhaps I am comfortable most of us are the worst thing possible well for me anyway I am so guilty of this I promise for the next rehearsal I will step outside of my comfort zone.

Yes I would definitely agree with this post. Yesterday obviously wasn't my day. I don't no why but I just wasn't thinking, like I have actually done a fair amount of research about my character and I've got a page in my notes for my character but I couldn't put that research into play. I apologize for this and I WILL be sure to not let this happen again. We all have things we can learn from each other and this is a key example, as Trojans can learn from Whale. I want to make this show happen and I will do my best.

Trojans is such a different and exciting play for me to do and it makes me very upset and irritated (at myself and the rest of the cast) that it's not working. I totally agree with this post as we are not getting things done as fast as we should be and the engery, want and focus just isn't there from a lot of people. I'll admit that at first I was very nervous about it as I've never played a part like this before, but now that I've got it (roughly) it should be so much fun, but it's not because half of the room seem like they don't want to be there. Hopefully tomorrow we will all have taken on everything you have said here and show that we actually want this show to work!

I really think Whale is going great. It's reaching the whole cast something new and giving us a whole lot of experience! Thoroughly enjoying the process and the integrity and passion we all have is working tremendously!
Nathan x

I always seem to leave the Trojans rehearsal space, angry, disappointed and sad because this play means a lot to me and a lot of you are saying that to, so why hasn't the space been buzzing with excitement and a hunger for performance. If you aren't enjoying yourself this isn't the right thing for you, but then again why would u all be in this room if you didn't love acting? I have been saying this for a while now to most of the cast and still nothing's changed. As soon as I step in the space I am ready to go, I have the burning in my belly and I'm focused on making this section of the play amazing.
Yesterday when we were blocking the palace scene, I just wanted mhairi to go mental and shout at us for what we were producing as it was not up to the standards it should be. when I realised she wasn't shouting I started to wonder if she was going to cut the play all together and i got the burning in my belly but it was different, I was furious. I'm not saying I didn't contribute to the bad rehearsal yesterday because I can always do more. I guess I just wanted someone to put us in our place, even though we shouldn't need it at this stage.
I know this play will pick up if everyone wants it.
I want Trojans
I need Trojans
and I will fight for Trojans.

I LOVE WHALE!! Every rehearsal leaves me wanting to come back as soon as I can!! I feel with all the voice work my voice has improved quite a bit!! I am now thinking about how it should be said!! Can't wait until Tuesday
See you then
Morgan xx

Glad to hear that WHALE is going well and that the cast have such a want for the project. Will definitely try and come see it!
It is a real shame that Trojans hasn't had the best of rehearsals so far. I really want it to work, it has so much potential. I know that most of the cast were optimistic for a great show at the beginning of the project, so I'm so confused why we have such a lack of passion in rehearsals. I know I'm guilty myself of not showing my want all the time but come on guys! We all know we're not doing well, we all know we want it. So let's walk the walk tomorrow! I'm really hoping the atmosphere in the space is different from now. See you all tomorrow.

I have been really enjoying whale and feel a lift of positivity every time I leave the rehersal space. This is one favourite projects so far and feel it really pushes both the body and the mind as an actor. I do feel very connected to this play and know that if we keep the hard work going we can make the audience feel exactly as we do. Meg xxx

Can't wait to come and see Whale heard so much about it, and I know you've all been working so hard.
Trojans on the other hand isn't, there's a lack of will and want in the room from most people. I think for me to improve I need to take a different approach to Fate I need to make her stronger. I've been watching BBC news and Sky news all Ssturday and today to try and get the reporter side of Fate. I feel now I need to " step out of safety and step into growth" it's the only way I'm going to improve. I really want Trojans to work and Beccy I can't agree more with you that I need Trojans too, I feel that this will help me to approach drama in a different way and break out of "Classic Yasmin". I will Fight for Trojans it's all good saying this but it doesn't matter till we acctually do something about it we can't just say we are boning to change and not do it. So tomorrow I hope to see everyone bright eyed bushy tailed and egar to start I know I will be.
Common Trojans we can do this TOGETHER as ONE cast
Yasmin xx

I am very much enjoying whale, when I am in the room I feel a passion bubbling coming from all around me, it is a great atmosphere! Let's not let this slip, not let teenage baggage enter and keep being free. Can't wait to see what comes out the other end in May!
Anna Xx

After Easter I am joining whale to 'help' you could call it. But truly I am just wanting to be inspired- something I know every single member of that cast can do. I want to be lit once more, I want to grab onto all their youthful spirit and glow. I just want to experience that again, I was once them and I still can be. Just a 'slightly older' them- I can have that light, eagerness, innocence of not knowing what your doing but going with it anyway, passion to learn, love for just doing what your doing even if it's wrong! I just want that, I want to grab it with both hands. Shake myself and be filled with their spirit and love for this. So yes I'm so excited to be apart of that process! I shall have a 'whale' of a time!
Trojans can do this. From only being at 2 rehearsals and then due to circumstances having to drop out, I do believe this can be done. Everyone just has to shake them self, it's frustrating hearing about it because I know that's happens to all of us. When social life is more important, you become apathetic etc etc. You come to pace because you have a hunger to act, because you care so much, you want to be the best version of you- don't come for your pals. I know from experience it gets you nowhere, surround yourself with people who raise you higher. It's hard to let go, I'm still trying to. Let go of all that social-baggage, horrible people and things that in years to come will mean nothing. Let it all go, just be yourself in the room. I am still on the journey to being me, and to do this I have to let everything go- just let people, things and bad memories go. When your in that space that is the most important thing. I am rooting for you Trojans. T-R-O-J-A-N-S! 'ONWARDS INTO THE VALLEY' OF ENLIGHTENMENT!
N X

Hmmmm ?
It's not a good thing to see. Knowing that the performance that you and the rest of the cast are giving is just ...'hmm' , it doesn't feel good at all. I love Trojans , I vividly remember myself saying ' oh it's such a good cast' after the the first rehearsal. Now a few weeks down the line I'm a bit lost as to where that good cast has gone. I've wanted for a long time to actually just get into the nitty gritty of a good play because I've never actually been part of a more serious play.
I find myself having a bit of fun during rehearsals, I loved blocking the waltz , it was pretty difficult but we got there in the end, but is that really enough?
I can definitely see a divide in the room , people who are now just getting ...exasperated and the others who are not really giving as much as they can. I find myself in both, I know I need to give a lot more to Trojans because I do want it, but then again I'm not the only one, and a high group energy can really bring everyone up.
The rehearsal the other day , I didn't really know what was happening. There were some good moments and others not so good. When I saw Mhairi looking as if she was trying to pull the acting out of us with her bare hands, I thought that was the end of it and I felt sick, no exaggeration. I want this play to go on so badly, I for one need to show it and tomorrow I am going to prove that because I don't just want to 'talk the talk'.
I know many of our Trojans will be thinking the same so let's put it into action eh ?
Lets all show a little Cass and fight for peace within our play!

This post really puts everything into perspective for me and I'm sure many others. I'm going to be honest when I started Trojans I loved it, it was different from the other projects I was doing because I got the chance to create a show (which has so much potential) while still developing my skills! This feeling however seems to have decreased. I know I need to show how much I want to do this and achieve a fantastic show, I know I need to always have the right attitude and be willing to do everything and anything but there has been sometimes where I want to yell because I see people with miserable faces or people who don't look like they care and I know I can look like that but honestly I want this a lot! Armida, she is such a challenging part for me and all I want to do is really get stuck into becoming her and trying to work on my emotions through her but I feel that I can't give emotion because I don't get it from others. There are many challenges we need to face but if we all show the true passion and determination and everything between we can do it! I don't think we can use the excuse " teenage baggage " anymore because we should be at the level where we leave it at the door.

I haven't been in, in a while and I definitely feel a disconnect to the Trojans cast. There hasn't been the best of rehearsals and I just need to accept that and move on and ask myself how I can do better. We all do! For me I need to get up to scratch with what I'm doing and understand my character and her prime purpose. This show is a lot of hard work and I think that just need to be accepted. When I was in the rehearsals for the orange group they all had such a buzz and light about them. So for Trojans I will embrace my inner orange!

I'm glad to hear that Whale is going well, I'm upset about Trojans and I know I am partly to blame. I was really excited to get involved in a project as its my first one. I think at first I was a bit nervous about the whole thing but now I really want to keep trying and trying to get this show to be amazing. I think that there is a lack of communication in our group and this reflects on our characters relationships. This post has really put everything into perspective for me and I now understand what i need to improve on. I hope I can do my character justice and become a true peace protestor I just need to find my voice and I won't stop trying to get better and better, I will always remember the curtain! So come on Trojans! Let's do this as a team, I know this show can be amazing. Xx

I have been loving helping out at both shows. It has been really nice to give back in a way. At one point in time I was in the same position as all of you and as mhairi said it makes you look back and smile and remember all the thing I have done in my many years at pace and feel so happy and proud at what I have achieved. So if I can help any of you along the way then I'm more than happy to.
The reason I love whale is because it has been really fun to watch the show progress and every time I come out of rehearsals I feel refreshed and happy. There's always this buzzing energy in the room and the enthusiasm and it's great to see.
I love Trojans because it's such a good play and I love the use of music and the style of it I'm honestly so jealous and just want to be on that stage performing it so badly with you all. Although I do come out of rehearsal not feeling the same way as whale and you guys probably feel the same way as me. But the only people who can changes the Trojan rehearsals are you guys, the cast, so get some of the buzzy energy and enthusiasm the whale cast have you guys will enjoy yourselfs so much more!

I cant wait untill next whale rehearsil i feel like im starting to dip my toe into the deep end and im trying to get the confidence to dive in head first and swim with the sharks. I am trying to get the biggest boost of this whale spring board as possible and i am really enjoying this process.
Olivia xx

It is just such a nice feeling during the rehearsals when everyone is working their socks off and everyone learns from each other and everyone is so eager to get started and has so much energy as soon as they walk in

Whale has really really helped me come on. I no longer feel sometimes feel nervous in Spires 1, more so excited and happy. I was one of the quiet kids in Panto last year, one of those kids who needed perhaps a little extra help. But I'm so extremially glad I've moved on from that stage .
I was really bummed that I missed Saturday's rehearsal but can't wait for this Saturday. The atmosphere in the room during rehearsal is so passionate and great to work in.

On Saturday sitting outside spires 1 I could hear everything going on. And the atmosphere I heard from in the Trojans room to when I came back later and heard the angelic sounds of whale was like black and white. Then coming in Sunday to work with trojans was also very telling. I honestly believe the show has bags of potential and could be so fun to play around with, with so many gifts of characters but it's a bit like so many people are just waiting for things to be given to them. When doing shows like this you've got to be one step ahead all the time. You've got to be able to take iniative and see problems 5 steps ahead and work them out. You've got to constantly be in the room and if you're not then you're outside working and when you're in the room you need to be present and part of what everyone else is doing because you're one cast and at the end of the day when you go out on that stage, it will be everyone's fault if it goes wrong. I know how hard it is when you're in a rehearsal and you can feel the scene going wrong and you feel like everything you do is a failure, but the worst thing you can do in that situation is accept that it's a failure and shut down. And unfortunately that's what lots of people were doing, in these situations you have to keep going no matter how rubbish you feel and never give up and work that scene until you can't anymore. Katie mentioned in her comment earlier about when we were blocking performance art for Verona and how you have to give your all to something so we can tell if it'll work or not. I felt on Friday at times it was a bit like no one really wanted it to work and that's really hard for a director to look at. My point is that I can hear people wanting it in these projects but unless you're willing to show it then what's the point?

I think whale has been something different for me, like nothing I've ever done before, and I like it. And I have learned that everybody has an important role because without the sea there would be no whales and without the whales there would be no sea. I can't wait until we produce the final thing ?